The design and capacities of the new drillships include additional features for high efficiency operation. Featuring dual derrick and large subsea work and storage areas, the design allows for efficient well construction and field development activities through parallel and offline activities.
The 228-metre long drillships will be able to operate at water depths up to 3,650 m (12,000 ft) and will be capable of drilling wells of more than 12,000 m (40,000 ft) deep. With their advanced positioning control systems, the ships automatically maintain a fixed position in severe weather conditions with waves up to 11 metres high and wind speeds up to 26 metres per second.
Special attention has been paid to onboard safety. The drillships are operated by relatively small crews, and are equipped with Multi Machine Control on the drill floor, providing a large degree of automation that ensures safe operation and consistent performance.